Janelidze: Georgia is Ready to Settle Conflict with Russia
Georgia stands ready to settle the conflict with the Russian Federation by exclusively peaceful means and in accordance with international standards, according to Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Mikheil Janelidze, who at the United Nations Security Council discussed ‘Conflicts in Europe’ on February 21.
The Georgian minister added that while the UN, OSCE and EU have been moderating talks between Georgia and Russia for Geneva International Discussions for eight years now, more needs to be done to deliver tangible results, which first and foremost requires political will and commitment from all.
“A conflict that started in the early 90s reached a culmination in the 2008 Russian military intervention in Georgia and the consequent occupation of our territories. The international community failed to effectively respond to the early warning signs. Following the August War, we lost even the minimal existing safeguards, as in 2009 both UNOMIG and OSCE missions to Georgia were unilaterally blocked by Russia, despite the increased need of their presence to monitor the situation on the ground,” Janelidze stressed.
He warned that the aggression in Georgia and then Ukraine may be seen elsewhere if no action is taken today.
“Georgia is committed to good neighborly relations and strives to have peace in the region. It was in this spirit that Georgia undertook the unilateral non-use of force commitment, which was never reciprocated. Since 2012, the Government of Georgia has been seeking the de-escalation of relations with the Russian Federation by making constructive and practical steps,” he added.
Janelidze stressed that despite Georgia’s constructive dialogue, the Russian Federation continues a policy which is aimed at the “factual annexation” of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) through illegal agreements on integration signed with the de-facto authorities of the regions.
He condemned the decision by the occupation regime to conduct a referendum in Tskhinvali to rename the region “Republic of South Ossetia - Alania”.
“The occupation regime in Abkhazia region took the decision to close checkpoints at the occupation line, further impeding free movement of the local population,” he added.
The minister underlined that conflict resolution between Georgia and Russia must start with the withdrawal of Russian occupation forces from Georgia’s occupied regions.
“We call upon the Russian Federation to reverse its illegal policy, comply with international obligations, including the August 12, 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, grant access to the international monitoring mechanisms, and allow the return of hundreds of thousands of IDPs and refugees who have been forcefully evicted from their homes,” Janelidze concluded.
Thea Morrison